March 10, 2025

Wind projects of 2.4 GW approved by Australia’s government

Australia approves three major wind projects in New South Wales, adding 2.4 GW of capacity to the southeastern state.

 

Image for illustration purposes

Australia: Environment minister Tanya Plibersek announced that approvals were issued for Tilt Renewables’ 1,332 MW Liverpool Range, Squadron Energy’s 700 MW Spicers Creek and the 372 MW Hills of Gold by Engie Australia. The capacity, once in operation, is expected to help offset about 6.5 bn kg (6.5 m t) of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

According to the government’s statement, the permits represent a “huge milestone” in the country’s plan to become a renewable energy superpower.

The Liverpool Range wind farm is set to be built in New South Wales’ Central West, between Coolah and Cassilis townships and within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). The $838 M (€ 775.7 M, A$2 B) project, originally proposed to include 267 turbines with a combined capacity of 962 MW, was acquired by Tilt Renewables and modified to use fewer but more powerful turbines. The revised plan was granted by the New South Wales government last November.

Billionaire Andrew Forrest’s Squadron Energy will construct the 700 MW Spicers Creek wind farm in Wiradjuri Country, using 117 GE Vernova machines that are anticipated to produce enough electricity to supply over 395,000 homes. The project was cleared by the state’s Independent Planning Commission in late 2024.

Engie’s Hills of Gold wind farm will be located near Hanging Rock and Nundle and will be equipped with up to 62 wind turbine generators. The 6 MW machines are expected to have a combined output of up to 1,000 MWh, or enough to supply up to 163,000 average Australian homes.

The project was developed by Clean Energy Partners and acquired by Engie in 2020.

Source: Renewables Now